Drive the 'Meep'

by John Gunnell

When asked about the appeal of his two-wheel-drive miniature, importer Ken Spencer said, “It’s the most fun I have had with my clothes on!”

After Willys-Overland designed the original World War II Jeep, the company did not have enough factories to build all the units the government needed. As a result, many Jeeps were manufactured in Ford and Checker plants.

Ken Spencer, of Waukesha, Wis., could have a similar problem with the miniature Jeep he’s selling. When asked, how many he can supply, the Wisconsin-based military vehicle parts dealer said his Chinese importer had 60 ready to go, and that he could deliver one in a week to a week- and-a-half.

The “Meep” (short for “My Jeep”) is a pint-size world of fun. Imported by MVPartStore.com, the fully operational vehicle can be delivered to the door of any U.S. location for around $2,750. John Gunnell photo

But based on the appeal of the so-called “Meep” and its initial satisfaction rating, Ken may need more than that.

Spencer says the Meep sells for $2,750 delivered to your nearest Fastenal store. “What most people don¹t realize is that Fastenal runs a delivery service everywhere except California.”

The “Meep” comes from Spencer’s family’s “me too” attitude about using the tiny Jeep. “It was always, ‘I want to use it – me too’,” said Spencer. Pretty soon, the family just started calling the “Meep” – “My Jeep.”

Equipped with a 125cc Honda-clone engine, the vehicle can reach 35mph in the grass.

It is easy to drive. Even his 10- and 12-year-old children can drive the vehicle in first gear. There is no clutch. A handle moves straight through all three gears as in an ATV. There is also a reverse mode.

During shows, Spencer uses the tiny Jeep to run errands. “We have put more than 200 miles on our unit since Father’s Day. My wife won’t even let me sell it, she likes it so much.”

The contracted MVPartsStore Meep comes with nobby tires (four and a spare), a jerry can, and electric start.

The mini Jeep has a full box frame, coil over shocks, rack-and-pinion steering, and chain drive to the rear wheels. It comes with a full package of lighting and safety equipment. Disc brakes handle stopping chores.

Two adults can fit in the vehicle, though it is a little more comfortable with just one!

Power comes from a125cc Honda clone engine and can move three large 250-lb.-plus adults at up to 35 mph.

Everything on the vehicle comes with a warranty except the carburetor. That’s because ethanol gas is a no-no, but the manufacturer can’t guarantee everyone will use correct fuel.

The Meep has a 3-speed ATV-style transmission, seat belt, mirrors, functioning directionals, horn, and headlights.

Spencer will be selling MEEPs through his MV Parts Store website (www.MVPartStore.com).

For more info, contact Ken Spencer, Jr. at the MV Parts Store,322 N Racine Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186; (414) 839-9966; or via the internet at www.MVPartStore.com

Meep Military Vehicles Magazine Willys-Overland World War II Jeep

John GunnellAuthor